Is your Truck Scale Delivering Accurate Measurements?
Do you have raw materials coming into your facility by the truck load? If so, you likely rely on a truck scale to ensure you are receiving the correct amount. However, as time passes your truck scale will provide less reliable measurements if it isn’t properly maintained. With spring upon us, it’s a great time to clean your scale and ensure proper functioning.
Checking Issues
If you notice that your reading is jumping around when trucks pull on, it could be a checking issue. For scales to weigh properly they must fully sit on their load cells. They do, however, require checking systems in place that keep them from moving so much that the deck or load cells are damaged.
Traditional checking systems are designed to allow the scale to move along with traffic. These systems consist of check rods and bars as well as bumper bolts – all of which should be checked regularly for damage. If any of these components are found to be cracked or damaged they should be corrected immediately. Not addressing these issues can result in permanent damage to your scale deck. Some canister-style load cell systems have checking on the load cells themself and do not include side checking (such as bumpers).
In addition to checking for damage, checking systems should be adjusted seasonally. Steel decks will expand in the Summer and contract in the Winter. You should ensure that your calibration provider is making these adjustments during regular inspections.
Finally, to extend the life of the scales and their checking systems, trucks should be prevented from entering and exiting the weighbridge too quickly. Visible signage, check-in stations, and guardrails can all help to alert drivers that they are approaching the scale and need to slow down.
Click below to learn the other factors to consider when spring cleaning your truck scale.
What's New at Cross
Are you looking for a new CMM?
One of the most reliable ways to get precise dimensional measurements is with a CMM. Cross is proud to announce that we are now a distributor for LK Metrology CMMs. LK not only has a full line of bridge style CMMs but they are also able to custom build custom gantry-style CMMs to measure very large parts. So even if you are making large appliances LK can make a CMM to fit your unique measurement application. Contact us today for a quote.
Innovating the Industrial World
When consistency matters, inline gloss and emboss measurement can help to ensure the quality of your product and reduce waste and scrap. This is particularly helpful for the flooring industry, but could be applicable for any product that requires exceptional consistency over large areas.
Check out the latest episode of our podcast, Innovating the Industrial World. Our host and CEO John King sits down with Brian Page from our Automation Group to discuss how we increased efficiency and reduced downtime with an innovative gloss meter solution for the flooring industry. Learn about how automation of gloss and emboss measurement also allows you to feed objective data to your network. This data helps you to make informed decisions about your process and verify that upstream processes such as curing and coating are working as intended.
You're Invited!
Cross Precision Measurement is offering workshops for you to experience the fast, accurate and affordable Kreon 3D Scanners. We will use our Kreon laser scanner and portable CMM to produce a point cloud or polygonal mesh report of any part you bring. Any part, any size, free!
Multiple workshops across the Southeast!
Our one hour workshops are available at a number of Cross locations. Click below to register for a workshop near you.
Did you know?
The precision measurement group at Cross can bring our inspection capabilities to you. There are some common applications for which on-site dimensional inspection may be necessary. These include measurement of large, heavy parts or assemblies, objects that must be measured in-situ, when there is heightened concern of damage or loss in transit, or when customer direction or witnessing is required. Our experienced inspection technicians can travel to your facility to take measurements directly on your manufacturing floor or in one of your labs! Click here to learn more.
Cross Provides Tangible Value for You
Reduce Risk
Whether you are manufacturing small components or stock items like nuts and bolts for assembly, counting them for inventory or shipping purposes can be an arduous task. Counting scales are a great solution for this task, as you can calculate part weight and then simply place your parts on the scale to make sure you have the right amount.
If you are interested in reducing your risk over or undercounting components, contact us today. We can help you find the right scale for your application. If you only need them once or twice a year for inventory, we also offer rental options!
Raise Quality
Consumer product manufacturers often need to hold their components to tight specs to ensure quality and reduce warranty claims.
What if you’ve invested in high tech measurement equipment but have employees who don’t know how to properly operate it? This can be a recipe for disaster.
Let us help! We have a team of measurement experts available to come onsite and train your team to use your measurement equipment. We want you to feel confident in the quality of your measurement data!
Improve Efficiency
The quality and ease of use of your measurement software can make a big difference in the efficiency of your measurement process. Most likely, you are currently tied to using the manufacturer’s software that came with your equipment.
Metrologic offers a suite of 3D metrology software for industrial measurement processes. With Metrologic you can standardize your measurement equipment software making it easier to train employees.
As an added benefit of Metrologic is that you are no longer tied to your equipment manufacturer for calibration and service when something goes wrong.
